Drug Abusing Drivers Cause Increase in Palm Beach Accidents

Many people take prescription drugs for ailments, injuries, and pain. Unfortunately, they sometimes get addicted to taking drugs, such as oxycodone and Xanax (alprazolam). Although people who take prescription drugs probably don't realize their driving could be affected, these two drugs have been linked to impaired driving crashes in Palm Beach County and elsewhere in Florida.

In fact, Xanax is the most commonly identified prescription drug, followed by oxycodone, in deadly Florida crashes.

Prescription drug abuse in South Florida has started affecting the roadways, since more drug-impaired drivers are behind the wheel. In fact, crash statistics have indicated that there were 64 drug-related crashes in Palm Beach County last year compared to 54 in 2005.

Although DUI crashes and drug-related collisions have decreased throughout Florida in the last year, Broward County and Palm Beach County are seeing an increase in drug-impaired driving crashes.

The scary thing about drug-related accidents is that these types of crashes can take place anytime of the day. Drug-impaired drivers are not just out at happy hour or late at night. Prescription-drug abuse is making South Florida's streets and highways a more dangerous place to drive, and has been linked as a factor in deadly Florida crashes.

Sadly, crashes involving prescription drugs occur all over Broward County and Palm Beach County, which is different than what is occurring nationally. The NHTSA says that marijuana is the most commonly found drug in drivers that have been involved in deadly crashes across the nation.

If you have been injured in a South Florida crash, the driver may be drug-impaired and should be tested if drugs are suspected. Call a Fort Lauderdale accident attorney immediately after your crash in order to protect your rights to recovery. You can reach a skilled South Florida personal injury lawyer with Chalik & Chalik at (888) 539-5297 to schedule your free legal consultation.